5 Great Music Schools Worldwide

From the Americas to the Far East, there are thousands of amazing music schools and conservatories at which musicians can study and develop their craft – and connect with alumni the world over to hone their craft following graduation. Here, we'll look at five of the best music schools around the world. 

Sibelius Academy

The Sibelius Academy is Finland's only musical conservatory, but is considered one of the best schools of music in Scandinavia and Europe at large. With a rigorous entrance examination procedure, SA's applicants compete fiercely for study places – but in return, they receive high-quality training, ample opportunities to perform and compose in the local and national community, and are connected to a global network of alumni for career development later on. SA recently began charging tuition fees to non-Finns, but scholarships are available to those who demonstrate financial need. Several famous stars have studied at SA, including the cellists of Apocalyptica and singer Tarja Turunen.

Tokyo College of Music

One of the east's most celebrated conservatories, the Tokyo College of Music is world-renowned for intensive and high-quality instruction. Students additionally benefit from frequent master classes, international relationships with other schools and instructors, and opportunities to travel. The Tokyo College of Music Symphony Orchestra has toured internationally, and the college also hosts a high school for young musicians.

Cairo Conservatoire

The Cairo Conservatoire is part of the Academy of Arts Egypt, and is not only the premier conservatory in Egypt, but one of the best on the African continent. Its inclusion in the Academy offers music students extensive opportunities to collaborate with artists of other disciplines, including dancers, filmmakers, and visual artists. A number of notable musicians have completed their education at the Conservatoire, including composer Khaled Shokry and oud and violin player Essam Rashad.

The Crane School of Music

The alma mater of famous opera singer Renee Fleming, the Crane School of Music is part of the State University of New York at Potsdam. An All-Steinway School, the Crane School of Music is internationally recognized as an American standard of excellence in music, and has turned out a number of highly accomplished performing artists and composers. Crane excels at community outreach as well, and runs a number of programs to make opera and classical music accessible to the public, including an opera education program for youth. 

Conservatorio Nacional Superior de Musica

Established in 1924 with the support of the then-president of Argentina and his wife, a lauded soprano, the Conservatorio Nacional Superior de Musica was founded by Carlos Lopez Buchardo and a number of others. The conservatory began principally with instruction in music, composition, and recitation, and has since expanded its instruction into dance and theatre. Juan Maria Solare, noted pianist, conductor and composer, studied at the Conservatorio.

No matter where you are in the world, chances are a world-class school of music is just around the corner. Find one that works for you and continue to use those programs to grow your own, unique talent.